The Baton Rouge hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Cleezy5, a key figure behind the influential Top Boy Gorilla movement and close associate of Fredo Bang.
According to local authorities, Cleezy5 was shot Wednesday afternoon outside a gym located on Woodcrest Drive in Baton Rouge. Police say the shooting occurred around 12:30 p.m., and the victim later died from his injuries.
Investigators have not yet released detailed information regarding suspects or a possible motive, and the case remains under active investigation.
Cleezy5 was widely recognized within Baton Rouge’s music scene as one of the driving forces behind TBG, also known as Top Boy Gorilla, a rap collective founded by Lil Ivy Smith. Over the years, the group developed a strong regional following and helped launch the careers of several Louisiana artists, including Fredo Bang.
Under TBG’s banner, Fredo Bang became one of Baton Rouge’s most recognizable rap voices, earning national attention through a series of successful releases and collaborations.
Following news of the shooting, tributes quickly spread across social media as artists, fans, and local figures expressed shock and grief over the loss.
Because of the long-running tensions between factions tied to Baton Rouge’s rap scene, some online speculation immediately surfaced regarding possible connections to the ongoing rivalry involving TBG and circles associated with NBA YoungBoy.
However, authorities have not announced any evidence linking Cleezy5’s death to that feud, and investigators have urged the public not to jump to conclusions while the investigation continues.
The rivalry between groups connected to Baton Rouge’s rap culture has drawn national attention for years, following multiple violent incidents and the deaths of several figures associated with both sides.
At this time, police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators.
